Export child benefit Westland: rules and conditions

Export child benefit in Westland: rules and conditions

Export child benefit means that as a resident of Westland or Dutch citizen, you can receive child benefit for your children, even if you reside abroad. This scheme applies under strict conditions of the Dutch government and international treaties. It is intended for Westland parents who, for example, go abroad for work, but leave their children in the Netherlands or where the local child benefit is lower.

What does export child benefit entail for Westland?

Export child benefit allows you to receive child benefit from the Netherlands, even if you no longer reside in Westland or the Netherlands. This applies to:

• Parents from Westland who live abroad, leaving children behind in the Netherlands.
• Westland parents working abroad, with children in the Netherlands with the ex-partner.
• Cases where foreign child benefit is below Dutch levels.

Legal basis

The rules are set out in:

• Child Benefit Act (WK) for general child benefit provisions.
• Child Benefit Export Regulation for export-specific requirements.
• EU Coordination Regulation on social security for country responsibilities.

Conditions for export child benefit

Main requirements:

1. Nationality and place of residence

You must:

• Be a Dutch citizen.
• Have your centre of interests abroad (work, home, family).

2. Children in the Netherlands

Children must:

• Be registered in the Netherlands, preferably Westland, with usual residence.
• Not claim child benefit or claim lower child benefit in your country of residence.

3. Preventing double claim

Double child benefit not permitted; EU rules coordinate this.

Amount of export child benefit

Equal to Dutch standard, adjusted for:

• Child's age.
• Disability supplement.
• Extra for chronic conditions.